Earthquake Concerns Shift Housing Preferences in Istanbul: Demand Surges in Safer Districts, Coastal Areas Lose Appeal
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Following the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Istanbul, residents are reevaluating their housing priorities. While scenic views and central locations once dominated buyer preferences, soil safety, building age, and earthquake resistance have now become the main criteria for choosing a home.
As demand decreases in high-risk, earthquake-prone coastal areas, more residents are moving toward districts with stable ground conditions, leading to a significant 30% rent increase in safer neighborhoods over the past six months. In contrast, rental growth in vulnerable districts remained limited to just 5–7%.
Migration Toward Safer Districts Accelerates
According to Türkiye Gazetesi, areas like Avcılar, Zeytinburnu, Tuzla, and Üsküdar, known for weaker ground structure and seismic risk, are losing population to safer districts such as Başakşehir, Arnavutköy, Gaziosmanpaşa, Sarıyer, Şile, Çekmeköy, and Beykoz. These areas, considered more secure in terms of ground structure, have seen rapid rental inflation due to the rising demand.
Real estate consultant Recep Ayyıldız noted: “There’s a sharp rise in interest for buildings with soil surveys, compliant with updated regulations, and limited to five stories. Families with children are especially quick to relocate to safer properties.”
Coastal Districts Lose Attractiveness as Market Dynamics Shift
Real estate expert Elif Demirtaş observed that coastal areas are losing their former appeal due to weak soil and aging building stock. “This is creating an imbalance in Istanbul’s rental market,” she said. “While some districts are experiencing sharp price hikes, others are witnessing stagnation.”
Urban Renewal and Building Reinforcement Gain Traction
The earthquake has also prompted a spike in urban transformation and structural reinforcement efforts, particularly in districts with older buildings. Property owners are increasingly seeking contractors to assess ground stability and initiate reconstruction projects. Experts emphasize that secure structures not only protect lives but also help preserve real estate value.
Soaring Demand for 1+1 Apartments
Changing demographics and economic pressures are fueling interest in 1+1 apartments, especially in central locations. Higher divorce rates, a trend toward individual living, and investment appeal have made small units a popular choice. “These apartments yield strong rental income,” said Demirtaş. “Prices are climbing quickly, and investors are targeting the right developments.”
Industry Also Prepares for Earthquake Resilience
The Ministry of Industry and Technology has launched a new planning initiative under its 2030 strategy, focusing on earthquake preparedness in industrial zones. Businesses operating in high-risk organized industrial zones (OSBs) will be relocated to safer areas. Where relocation is not possible, structural reinforcements will be implemented. New OSBs will be sited based on infrastructure, transportation access, and earthquake resilience.